Ruth Olive Matney, 90, of Oak Harbor, died Feb. 2, 2009, in Oak Harbor. She was born Oct. 2, 1918, in Midland, Mich., to Frances H. and Hazel (Randall) Smith.

Ruth married Norman R. Matney on Feb. 17, 1936, in California. Together, they owned and operated Matney’s Variety Store in Lodi, Calif., for many years. Ruth cared for her three grandchildren during those years, allowing them to play in the store and on the old-fashioned cash register.

After her husband passed away in 2006, Ruth moved to Oak Harbor to be near her daughter, Norma. In July of 2007, she moved to Regency. She was an avid artist, specializing in oil painting. Many of her works are on display in the gallery at Regency.

Her husband, Norman and son, Jack L. Matney, preceded Ruth in death.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Norma Sanders of Oak Harbor; 4 grandchildren, including Cheryl (Sanders) Eskildsen and family of Oak Harbor; 7 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Visitation and viewing will be held at Burley Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 1 to 7 p.m. Ruth will be buried next to her husband at Elk Grove Memorial Park in Elk Grove, Calif.

Burley Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor has been entrusted with arrangements.